I am outraged and concerned by yet another occurrence involving rabbit cruelty at U Vic. Surely one of the major concerns of any forward thinking academic institution is to instill some civic virtues and moral graces, including respect and consideration for the many species that call the campus grounds home.

In February 2004 a vile act took place in which a student, drunk at the time, held down a rabbit and punched it repeatedly. It was rushed to a veterinary hospital where it died from injuries "compatible with severe trauma." I wonder at the logic that suggests "humiliation" is sufficient cause for granting an absolute discharge in an animal cruelty case.

In November 2004 in which a man and woman admitted killing several rabbits with a bow and arrow, any significant punishment for the crime was not administered. David Clode, Executive Director of Student and Ancillary Services said the culprits were counselled "about the severity and inappropriateness of their actions" and a $100 fine was handed down for contravening a municipal bylaw.

Now another deliberate death, this time further insult added, by hanging the body outside a health-food restaurant on campus. This type of act cannot be sanctioned as freedom of expression. The Martlet, the U Vic student newspaper had ran a previous story titled "Bunnies for Dinner" and at that time Clode said he had no intention of impinging "on its editorial freedom." Maybe now is the time for rethinking.

I would like to see more of a commitment from U Vic to implement and enforce stringent standards of behavior for its students and take a firmer stance on issues of animal cruelty. There also needs to be a strengthening and clarification of the provisions of the Criminal Code regarding this matter and for the legal system to take such manners seriously.

Sue Collard